A Wisconsin Christmas Pie Recipe

3

A Wisconsin Christmas Pie is an old-fashioned dessert that originated as a charming addition to holiday festivities, particularly in Wisconsin. Unlike a typical pie with a crust, this dish is usually a layered dessert served in bowls or large dishes.

How to make A Wisconsin Christmas Pie

A Wisconsin Christmas Pie is a festive dessert inspired by classic holiday flavors from Wisconsin, known for its rich dairy traditions and cozy seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

You’ll need a combination of pantry staples and holiday favorites to create this decadent dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the crust (if you choose to make a layered pie):

• 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ¼ cup melted unsalted butter

For the filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups dried or candied fruit (e.g., cherries, cranberries, apricots, or raisins)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well)
• Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday flavor

For garnish:

• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
• A sprinkle of crushed nuts or candied fruit

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine crushed graham crackers (or vanilla wafers), sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie dish or serving bowl. Smooth it out evenly.
4. Bake the crust for about 8–10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely. If you’re not using a crust, skip this step and move directly to the filling.

Step 2: Whip the cream

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. (You can also add cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday twist.)
2. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip!

Step 3: Assemble the filling

1. Fold the dried or candied fruit and chopped nuts gently into the whipped cream mixture. Ensure everything is evenly combined without deflating the cream.
2. Spread the filling on top of the cooled crust (if using a crust) or transfer the mixture into a festive serving bowl.

Step 4: Garnish and refrigerate

1. If desired, add a decorative layer of whipped cream on top for garnish.
2. Sprinkle crushed nuts or some extra candied fruit over the top for a festive touch.
3. Cover the dessert loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh cream: Because whipped cream is the star of this dessert, always opt for chilled, fresh heavy cream for the best texture and flavor.
• Balance flavors: Dried fruit can be very sweet. If you prefer a less sugary dessert, use unsweetened whipped cream or adjust the ratio of fruit and nuts.
• Make ahead: Wisconsin Christmas Pie benefits from time in the fridge, so you can prep it a day ahead for convenience and richer flavor.
• Experiment: If you love Wisconsin Christmas Pie but want to add your own twist, try layering it with spiced cake crumbs or replacing the graham cracker crust with crushed shortbread cookies.

What to serve with

A Wisconsin Christmas Pie is a creamy, fruity, and nutty dessert that delivers a delightful combination of textures and holiday flavors. To truly enhance the experience, you can pair it with complementary dishes, drinks, and accompaniments that evoke the warmth and festive spirit of the season.

Hot Beverages:

• Hot Cocoa: Rich, velvety hot chocolate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon parallels the creamy texture of the pie. For an adult twist, add a splash of peppermint schnapps or Irish cream.
• Coffee or Espresso: The robust, bittersweet notes of coffee balance the sweetness of the pie perfectly. Serve with a touch of holiday-themed coffee creamer or warm spices like cinnamon.
• Spiced Tea: A warm, citrusy tea, such as chai or a holiday spiced brew, complements the spiced fruit and nut flavors.

Chilled Beverages:

• Sparkling Wine or Champagne: A crisp, effervescent drink adds sparkle to the creamy richness of the pie, making it a festive pairing. Extra-dry varieties work best to offset the sweetness.
• Mulled Wine or Cider: The fruity, spiced undertones of mulled wine or cider match beautifully with the flavors of dried fruits in the pie.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a delicious Wisconsin Christmas Pie is a cherished holiday tradition, but sometimes you may need to make adjustments based on dietary needs, ingredient availability, or personal preferences.

1. Crust Substitutes

If you choose to make the pie with a crust, there are several options depending on your taste, texture preferences, or dietary requirements.

Graham Cracker or Vanilla Wafer Crust (standard option):

• Substitute with Digestive Biscuits or Shortbread Cookies: These provide a richer, buttery flavor similar to vanilla wafers.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use gluten-free cookies or crackers instead of regular graham crackers. Process them into crumbs and combine with melted butter for the same texture.
• Nut Crust: Combine finely chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans) with a bit of sugar and melted butter for an extra crunch and holiday-inspired flavor.

2. Whipping Cream Substitutes

The whipped cream is the heart of this creamy dessert. If you don’t have cream on hand or you’re making adjustments for dietary restrictions, consider the following substitutions:

• Coconut Cream (dairy-free option): Scoop out the solid part of a can of chilled coconut milk and whip it into soft peaks. Sweeten and flavor with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. This provides a rich, dairy-free alternative that works beautifully with the fruity flavors.
• Greek Yogurt (lower-fat option): Replace heavy cream with full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangy and healthier twist. To achieve a lighter texture, fold in whipped egg whites or mix yogurt with whipped non-dairy cream.
• Non-Dairy Whipping Cream: Check your local grocery store for plant-based whipped cream options made from oats, almonds, or soy. These mimic the texture of traditional whipped cream and work well for vegan recipes.

3. Sugar Substitutes

If you’re looking to cut down on refined sugar or need alternatives for dietary reasons, here are options to sweeten your Wisconsin Christmas Pie without compromising the flavor:

• Honey or Maple Syrup (natural alternative): Replace sugar with a liquid sweetener for a natural option. Start with less (about half the amount) and add more to taste as liquid sweeteners tend to be sweeter.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener (low-calorie option): Use these sugar substitutes sparingly, as they are much sweeter than regular sugar. Look for powdered versions to easily blend into your whipped cream.
• Coconut Sugar (less refined option): Coconut sugar has a light caramel flavor, which pairs wonderfully with dried fruits and nuts in this dessert. It serves as a perfect swap for both granulated and brown sugar.

4. Dried or Candied Fruit Substitutes

Dried and candied fruits lend the pie its signature sweetness and texture, but you can easily swap them out to suit your preferences or dietary choices.

• Fresh Fruit: If you prefer less sweetness, replace dried or candied fruits with fresh fruit like berries, chopped apples, or sliced bananas. Fresh fruit will add brightness and juiciness to the pie.
• Sugar-Free Dried Fruit: For a healthier alternative, opt for unsweetened dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots.
• Frozen Fruit: Thaw frozen fruits such as cherries, blueberries, or raspberries and use them in place of dried fruit. Ensure they’re drained well to avoid adding excess moisture.
• Jam or Fruit Compote: If you’re short on dried fruit, swirl in a dollop of your favorite jam or fruit compote (e.g., cranberry sauce or apricot preserves). This will mimic the fruity flavor and texture.

5. Nut Substitutes

Nuts, like pecans or walnuts, add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor to the pie. However, there are plenty of alternatives in case of allergies or personal preference.

• Seeds (nut-free option): Replace nuts with roasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds for a satisfying crunch and added nutrients.
• Crispy Granola: For a nut-free alternative with texture, use granola clusters. Choose varieties with dried fruit or spice flavors for a festive touch.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened toasted coconut flakes provide the same crunch and holiday vibes as nuts.

Final Thoughts

A Wisconsin Christmas Pie is a show-stopper on its own, but pairing it with a complementary drink, food, or topping can transform it into a centerpiece for your holiday table. 

More Pie Recipes:

• Homemade Pillsbury Pie Crust Recipe
• Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Baja Blast Pie Recipe
• Copycat Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Recipe